Chartres Labyrinth

Hi, Guys! Today I am going to be writing about the Labyrinth inside of Chârtres Cathedral. The other week I walked this labyrinth and I found it amazing so I decided to share some information on the magical floor pattern with you guys! So I really hope you enjoy today’s blog and if you do don’t forget to smash that like button and also follow if you are new around here!

The Labyrinth

The labyrinth set into the floor stones in the nave of Chartres Cathedral and may be the world’s most recognised and famous path, yet it is surrounded in mystery.

Chartres Cathedral Labyrinth

Thought to be the representation of the spiritual quest of the pilgrim travelling to the holy land, labyrinths like this began appearing in Europe in the 12th century, mostly in Italy. The labyrinth at Chartres is a little over 42 feet in diameter and is thought to have once been graced by an image of the Minotaur at its centre (a motif common in mazes and labyrinths around the world).

There have been many theories and elaborate mythology surrounding the original construction of the labyrinth. It is most likely constructed in the first decades of the 13th century, but no one knows for sure exactly when the labyrinth was made, no documents have been yet found, and little is known about the builders. An excavation in 2001 investigated claims that the centre of the labyrinth was the site of a memorial or tomb for the cathedral and/or labyrinth masons, but despite extensive digging, no evidence was found to back up such claims. It is said that there is a chamber underneath the labyrinth centre and the people of the Cathedral do not want to expose it!

Nonetheless, pilgrims have indeed been coming to Chartres to walk the famous labyrinth for 1000 years now, and the tide shows no sign of slowing.

Although the labyrinth is partially obscured by chairs, it is traditionally uncovered every Friday from 10 to 5 pm from the Lenten season (usually around the end of February) to the “day of the saints,” the 1st of November. Another, outdoor, the labyrinth is located behind the Cathedral, in Les Jardins de l’Eveche.

Over all the Labyrinth is one amazing thing and something you should definitely visit if you get the opportunity!

So I really hope you guys have enjoyed today’s blog post and if you have don’t forget to smash that like button and follow if you are new around here.